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‘Saturday Night Live’: Andy Samberg and the blasts from SNL’s past

Andy Samberg may have officially been the host of Saturday Night Live‘s 39th season finale, but it was virtual SNL reunion show featuring guest appearances from former cast members Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, Kristen Wiig and Martin Short, and bonus assists from Paul Rudd, Tatiana Maslany, Pharrell Williams and 2 Chainz. In fact, just about the only famous person not on the Studio 8H stage last night was Samberg’s buddy Justin Timberlake, who sent his regards from Russia:

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All in all, it was one of the better episodes this season, even without Justin Timberlake. For the most part, the sketches were absurd but brief, ending long before the jokes wore out their welcome. Between the general silly mood and the anticipation of seeing which celebrity was going to show up next, the episode closed out an otherwise lackluster season with a certain joie de vivre. Which is Fancy for “it could have been worse.”

This week’s cold open addressed the most important news story of the week (possibly the decade): the Jay-Z/Solange elevator fight. It takes a few minutes to warm up, but once we get to the actual audio of the fight and Maya Rudolph appears as Beyoncé, it’s finds its footing. My only complaint is that it could have used more Queen Bey. (And maybe a dash of Fred Armisen’s Prince.)

I WISH THIS WERE A REAL SHOW.

As noted Maya Rudolph was not the only SNL vet to return for the season finale. Andy Samberg’s entire opening monologue is devoted to besting Bill Hader’s celebrity impression record, a task which requires Seth Meyer’s assistance, and, of course, an appearance from Hader himself. And Martin Short for some reason.

The “Camp Wicawabe” sketch wasn’t bad as much as it was confusing. The entire idea of the bit, that these two campers would host a talk show about the camp, doesn’t really make sense. Why are they hosting a talk show? Who is watching this talk show? Where are the counselors? But once you get past the inherent absurdity of the premise it was sort of funny, but funny in a second-half-of-the-episode kind of way.

The first of two Digital Shorts featured Andy Samberg as a popular DJ who blows up people’s heads. I don’t know.

“Confident Hunchback” is exactly what it sounds like.

Here is your “Weekend Update”:

The first “Weekend Update” guest is Bruce Chandling, a hack comedian in the middle of an existential crisis.

And then we have another edition of “Get in the Cage,” with an appearance by the always appealing Paul Rudd.

The overly affectionate Vogelcheck family are back, and they have some thoughts on Michael Sam’s PDA before the entire thing completely devolves into nonsense (and a rash of breaking character started by Fred Armisen).

“Waking Up With Kimye” is one of the rare recurring bits that I think SNL does not do nearly enough. MORE KIMYE, PLEASE.

The second Digital Short, “Hugs,” is a stronger effort than the first, with guest appearances from Pharrell Williams and Orphan Black‘s wonderful Tatiana Maslany (for some reason).

“Legolas from The Hobbit Tries to Order at Taco Bell” is also exactly what it sounds like.

One of Andy Samberg’s characters from his time at SNL, Blizzard Man, a play on the early 90s Canadian rapper Snow, made another appearance last night with rapper 2 Chainz who, as it turns out, is a terrible, terrible actor.

The final bit of the night is another ad from our two favorite former porn stars, this time for Bvlgari watches. The whole conjoined twins bit is a step too absurd for my liking, but otherwise, I’m happy to see Brekkie and The Other One again.

HOW ABOUT HAVING MAYA HOST AGAIN, PLEASE. nbcsnl.tumblr.com

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Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.